I have been reflecting on
the fun day we had as a church family today. Beaches Chapel hosted a Cowboy Christmas Lunch with hats,
boots and BBQ. Being a youth
leader from way back, I am still excited to dressing up with a theme! I am secretly hoping our next lunch
will be an 80’s dance off! I could
totally whip out my Swatch watches and crimper! My kids were so into being cowboys! They had all their outfits, bandanas
and jeans laying out, ready to go! What shocked me the most was that even Dan
wore a western shirt and boots. He
drew the line when I suggested a hat. I think he would have been happy if I mentioned bringing his gun though! Annie smuggled hers to church but don't worry. It wasn't loaded! 
When I walked into church, I was amazed at all the good sports that were
present. Almost everyone made some effort to join in the fun! I saw more plaid in one room than at
the Grand Ole Opry! I am glad that
my kids will have this memory of such a great time at church! My favorite was the decked out sheriff! But what is really stirring
inside of me, is how very blessed I am to have such deep roots at Beaches
Chapel. Beaches Chapel is the only
church I have ever attended. Today, I have been mediating on how
important spiritual roots are. I
looked up the meaning of roots and it became even more valuable to me. “Part of a plant that provides support,
nourishment, food, a place that stores water, that provides strength and
security, state of being established.”
Wow and that is what you also receive from your church family: support, spiritual food, refreshing
water from the Word, strength in relationships, a feeling of belonging and
feeling secure. My parents gave
this gift to me and I am ever grateful!
I think back to all the
monumental things in my life, the good and the bad. They are all centered around
my church family. From square
dances to weddings to funerals they have all happened for me at Beaches Chapel.
I think about the people that were assembled together today at our lunch. The caterer that did the BBQ used to be
a precious little jr. high boy in our youth group when I was the Youth
Pastor. We nicknamed him
“Woodhead” when a pool ball jumped off the table and popped him in the
head. I think about all the
parents that were holding babies today that I knew when they were little babies
themselves. What a rich heritage we all have together. It's a rare thing in today's world.
What I appreciate the most
is the fruit I am now seeing in my own children. Today, I watched my kids share
their faith on stage. At 4 years
old, I had no idea how to say a salvation prayer with someone but yet, Eddie
does. I see people talking and
loving on my kids and watching over them.
I am grateful I have stayed through the ups and downs that inevitably
happen in every church. It’s
always tempting to run off to the new and exciting church that opens up and no
doubt God sometimes calls you to join yourself to a new work that He is
doing. What I have observed is
that when people jump around, their children pay the price with no roots, with
no spiritual foundation, no history or church memories, experiences and community with
a group of people they know and trust. 
I believe it’s time for people to put roots down again, to make a commitment for
their kid’s sake. Let them
grow. Let them get rooted in the
Word of God. Let them learn how to serve and share their faith. When the storms of life come, may their
deep roots hold them steady. Let them grow and bear much fruit in their lives,
fruit that will remain. That is my
goal is too stay rooted where I was planted. I want to serve and be a part of growing something and
impacting the community. I am
believing God to prosper my kids and use them in a mighty way and I am
committed not to uproot them from their home. I believe God will honor our faithfulness and our kid’s will
grow to be strong Christian leaders as a result! Our society encourages lack of commitment and Christians
need to change that. It’s not
convenient to go to church especially with kids but days like today remind me
why it is so important 
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that
sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8
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